TBA inducts four Leaders in Banking Excellence into the 2025 class
Four Tennessee bankers were honored by the Tennessee Bankers Association at the 2025 Leaders in Banking Excellence ceremony on August 7.
Commemorative plaques highlighting each honoree’s career were unveiled at the TBA headquarters in Nashville. The Leaders in Banking Excellence program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to their banks, their communities, and the banking industry across Tennessee.
The ceremony featured remarks from TBA Chairman Gene Henson, Regional Director, Trustmark Bank; Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Greg Gonzales; and each of the honorees.
Each year, TBA member banks may submit nominations for this recognition. The TBA board of directors reviews and approves the final selections.
“One of the main missions of the Tennessee Bankers Association is to recognize our members for being involved in making our industry better and in making their communities better places to work and live,” said Colin Barrett, TBA president and CEO. “The Leaders in Banking Excellence recognizes those who have made a difference, and we hope it will be an inspiration to other bankers across the state.”
For more information about Leaders in Banking Excellence, please visit TNBankers.org.
Marvin L. Price
Mountain Valley Bank
Dunlap
Marvin Price has dedicated his entire banking career to Mountain Valley Bank, beginning in 1976 with its predecessor, Sequatchie County Bank. Over the decades, he worked in nearly every role—from teller to lender to his current position as CFO, COO, and board member. Under his leadership, the bank has grown from $20 million to over $260 million in assets. A longtime supporter of the Tennessee Bankers Association, Marvin has served as a Director of the Young Bankers Division and has been a key instructor and mentor at the Southeastern School of Banking for more than 20 years. Deeply rooted in his community, Marvin’s legacy is defined by service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the success of his bank and fellow bankers.
Michael A. “Mike” Qualls
INSBANK
Nashville
Michael “Mike” Qualls was a visionary leader whose career helped redefine the role of technology in community banking. In 1999, he became the founding President and CEO of Insurors Bank of Tennessee, later rebranded as INSBANK in 2007 as the institution expanded its commercial focus in the Nashville market. Qualls served as CEO until 2010 and continued as Chairman of the Board until his retirement from board service in 2024. Earlier in his career, Qualls was President of American Savings Bank in Livingston, where he began advocating for more efficient banking through innovation. A U.S. Army Infantry veteran of the Vietnam era and graduate of the University of Tennessee, Qualls leaves a lasting legacy of forward-thinking leadership and impact on Tennessee’s banking landscape.
Thomas “Tom” Tuck
TNBank
Oak Ridge
Thomas “Tom” Tuck’s career reflects a rare blend of entrepreneurial spirit, customer-first values, and community devotion. As head of private banking at SunTrust, he returned to his hometown of Oak Ridge to found TNBANK in 1995, building a locally owned institution dedicated to personalized service. He served as President and CEO until 2020 and continues to guide the bank as Chairman of the Board. A proud alumnus of the University of Tennessee and the Southeastern School of Banking, he also completed his education at the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. Tuck has contributed to various local civic groups including the Oak Ridge Chamber, East Tennessee Economic Council, Oak Ridge Heritage Preservation Association, and the Oak Ridge Children’s Museum.
Eleanor Yoakum
First Century Bank
Tazewell
Eleanor Yoakum’s distinguished career in banking and public service spans decades of leadership deeply rooted in her Claiborne County heritage. In 1990, she became chairman of the board of First Claiborne Bank - now First Century Bank - continuing a proud family legacy. As one of Tennessec’s first female bank presidents, Yoakum led the institution through significant growth while remaining deeply committed to serving local communities. Her influence extended statewide through high-level appointments by multiple governors to key commissions and economic development boards, as well as her service as Chief Administrative Officer to Governor Don Sundquist. She consistently championed rural interests and ensured the voices of her region were heard at the highest levels of state government.